City profile

Although “Mainhattan” is about 100 high-rise buildings short of its American almost-namesake, it remains one of the few European cities that can boast a significant skyline. More than 300 banks are located on the River Main, among them the European Central Bank, 150 foreign banks, and the fourth largest stock exchange in the world. Because of the city’s financial potency, the more than 700,000 inhabitants can choose from an extremely high concentration of available jobs.

Overview of the universities

Johann Wolfgang Goethe University

The university is known internationally for its Institute for Social Research - one of the most important 20th century schools of philosophy and social thought with an elite list of past scholars that includes Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno and Jürgen Habermas.

Today, Frankfurt University is a leading research institution. It's at the forefront of law, history, economics, finance, life sciences, drug research, and interdisciplinary research on Africa.

This international art academy was established in 1817 when the Frankfurt merchant Johann Friedrich Staedel set up his Kunstinstitut. Today, the academy is a truly international institution. As well as the art school, the Städelschule includes the renowned Portikus exhibition space and a museum.

The University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) offers a wide range of subjects including architecture, engineering, and social work. Thanks to the college’s strong business links, a wide variety of professional opportunities are available to students.

The University of Music and Performing Arts is a unique institution. Students focus on music, theater and dance. The university profits from and cooperates with a large number of theaters, opera houses and museums in the Frankfurt area.

Did you know?

The Frankfurt trade fair was first established in the 13th century and is one of the oldest in the world. It has emerged as a true global player among trade fairs.

Frankfurt is Germany's jazz capital, largely thanks to Der Jazzkeller. Established in the 1950s, the bar has hosted big name performers like Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.

Things to check out

Despite all the sushi bars and exotic restaurants, don't forget to try some of the local culinary specialties like Handkäs’ mit Musik? And if you like to be authentic all the way, wash it down with some apple wine. But be careful – this local cider is deceptively potent.

You're in skyscraper-town, so don't forget to enjoy the view. On the 53rd floor of the Main Tower there's a restaurant with a spectacular 360 degree view – you’ll see first hand why Frankfurt is called "Manhattan on the Main”.

Useful links

The Studentenwerk provides students with affordable living spaces and offers a range of services for international students.

For short-term rentals there are private agencies - Mitwohnzentralen - which offer fully-equipped rooms and apartments to rent for a few days – or by the week/month – depending on availability.

Check out the four-language website of this private agency - city-mitwohnzentrale.de - that offers rooms and apartments in various German cities.

The official website of the city of Frankfurt. Get information about the latest events and see what's happening in the city’s cultural life.

The official website of the tourist office is at your service (in eight languages), featuring everything you need to know for your stay in Frankfurt – from events to accommodation.